How to Make a Toss Pillow Cover With a Zipper Closure

Throw pillows add texture to couches and chairs

Toss pillows, or throw pillows, add cushion and texture to seating all throughout a home. They also can add a splash of color to a room. When your decor starts to look old and tired, putting a new cover on throw pillows can freshen it up. Toss pillow covers are inexpensive to make and, when made with a zippered closure, can be taken off and washed in the washing machine.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Cotton fabric
• Fabric scissors
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Sewing pins
• Zipper

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the throw pillow using a measuring tape.

2. Cut out two pieces of fabric that are each 1 inch wider and 1 inch longer than the pillow.

3. Lay the two fabric pieces directly on top of each other, with the right sides of the fabric together.

4. Sew the fabric pieces together along three of the edges with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving the fourth edge open.

5. Fold over the fourth edge of each piece 1/2 inch and iron the fold down.

6. Unzip the zipper and pin each side of the zipper to the folded over sides of the open end of the pillow cover, taking care that the front of the zipper is facing into the pillow.

7. Sew the zipper to the pillow cover, taking the pins out as you sew, and turn the pillow cover right side out.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a zipper that is long enough to take up the entire opening edge of the pillow cover.

References

• J&O Fabrics: How to Make a Throw Pillow Cover
• Digs Magazine: Make a Throw Pillow Cover
• Threads Magazine: Sewing in a Zipper